Choosing a Pope

It happens in the Sistine Chapel, which was designed to be a copy of the holy Jewish Temple in Jerusalem.

More than a billion Catholics around the world wait with bated breath as the College of Cardinals prepares to begin the procedure to select a new Pope. Since Pope Benedict XVI announced his intention last month to retire, the leadership of the church will meet behind closed doors in the Sistine Chapel to agree upon a replacement.

And the location for that momentous decision has a remarkable connection to the Jewish people and the site of its holiest place on earth.

Let me share with you some of the historic background.

According to Roman tradition, the Palatine Hill was where Romulus founded the city in 753 BCE. Every Roman ruler constructed one spectacular Palace after another on that hill. When the church came to power it was determined to prove that it replaced the emperors as the religious spokesmen for God. In the Middle Ages, on that very spot, they built the Palatial Chapel, designed to be a harbinger of the coming triumph of Christianity. Here was a place of prayer for the Pope himself, and its opulence was meant to overshadow that of any other Royal Chapel on earth.

When Pope Sixtus IV began his reign in 1471, the Palatine Chapel was falling apart. It was a heavy building resting perilously on the soft soil of the former Etruscan graveyard slope of the Vatican. Sixtus spent vast amounts of the Vatican’s gold on reviving the splendors of Rome, rebuilding churches, founding the Vatican library and – his most famous project of all – the reconstruction of the Palatine Chapel which, with no attempt at humility, he renamed the Sistine Chapel after himself.

Work began on renovating the Chapel in 1475. By one of those inexplicable serendipities of history, in that very same year in the Tuscan town of Caprese, Michelangelo Buonarroti was born and the unparalleled significance of the Sistine Chapel as the repository of the world’s greatest artistic genius was much later to be assured.

We do not know whether the all-important decision that followed came from the Pope himself or from the Florentine architect he commissioned. What we do know of a certainty is that the Sistine Chapel was designed to be a copy of the holy Jewish Temple in Jerusalem built by Solomon many centuries before.

The exact measurements are found in the Bible. As recorded by Samuel the prophet, the measurements of the heichal, the long, rectangular back section of the first holy Temple completed by King Solomon and his architect King Hiram of Tyre in 930 B.C.E., are 134.28 feet long by 43.99 feet wide by 67.91 feet high. Those were the exact dimensions used for the construction of the Sistine Chapel.

More remarkable still, and a fact that most visitors to the Chapel do not realize, is that in keeping with the intent to simulate the sacred site that existed in ancient Jerusalem, the sanctuary was built on two levels. The Western half, containing the altar and the private area for the Pope and his court, is about six inches higher than the Eastern half, originally meant for the common onlookers. This elevated section corresponds to the farthest recesses of the original holy Temple – the Kodesh Kodoshim , the Holy of Holies – where only the high priest could enter, only once a year, on Yom Kippur, the day of atonement.

To show exactly where the Porochet, the curtain separating the two, would have been in the temple of Jerusalem, a huge white marble partition grill was commissioned, with seven marble flames on top, to correspond to the holy menorah that glorified the Jewish sanctuary in biblical times.

What was the purpose of this mimicry of the holiest place of worship for the Jewish people?

Its theological significance can best be realized by noting that this Catholic effort was something explicitly forbidden to Jews. In the Talmud it is clearly legislated that no one may construct a functioning full-size copy of the holy temple of Jerusalem in a location other than the temple mount itself. Neither the Pope nor his architect however felt themselves constrained by Talmudic law. They chose to build an incredible, full-size copy of the inner sanctum of King Solomon’s temple right in the middle of Renaissance Rome.

Clearly their intent was to give concrete expression to the theological concept of successionism, an idea that had already found an important place in Christian thought. Successionism means that one faith can replace a previous one that has ceased to function. Specifically, the Vatican preached that because the Jews rejected the teachings of Christianity they were punished with the loss of their holy Temple and the city of Jerusalem as well as being damned to wander the earth forever as a divine warning to anyone who might refuse to obey the church.

We leave it for readers to contemplate what the rebirth of Israel and the return of the Jews to their homeland means in this context.

Today the Sistine Chapel, in all probability because of its magnificent Michelangelo frescoes, is the most visited museum in the world. More than four million people a year come to view its treasures.

Most of them are unaware of the intent of its architects to have Rome replace Jerusalem and the Sistine Chapel to be a substitute for the Temple of Solomon.

It is important to note that since the second Vatican Council in 1962 the church itself has categorically rejected the theological underpinnings of its intolerance towards the Jews.

It is to be hoped that as the Cardinals gather to choose their new Pope in the very place originally meant to demonstrate Christian successionism, they will find the wisdom to follow in the ways of mutual respect, brotherhood and understanding. In that way perhaps the Sistine Chapel will be able to best fulfill the message of Solomon’s Temple.

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About the Author

Rabbi Benjamin Blech, a frequent contributor to Aish, is a Professor of Talmud at Yeshiva University and an internationally recognized educator, religious leader, and lecturer. Author of 14 highly acclaimed books with combined sales of over a half million copies, his newest, The World From A Spiritual Perspective, is a collection of over 100 of his best Aish articles. See his website at www.benjaminblech.com.

Visitor Comments: 43

(29)
juan,
March 21, 2013 4:54 PM

We learn from each other, and we respect each other

Hello, thanks for this article. I visited the Chapel twice and I am just learning a key thing about it here. I am from Argentina and have many Jewish friends. I am deeply sorry for those who are against Jews, and I am sure that it is because of erroneous teachings and lack of knowledge they received. One erroneous teaching is that the Jews killed Jesus, and hence the hate spread for many years...when actually Jesus was a Jew himself, an excellent Rabbi and perhaps one of the ones loving God the most and following his commandments . As Argentinian, I am of course happy that new Pope Francis has been selected, but moreover that he is ecumenical, friend of Jews (one of his best friends is the Director of Rabbinical school in Buenos Aires). We hope he will give the church the right influence and make Christians focus on all the right truths, the peace and love that we are supposed to have for one another, loving God with all our hearts and to those who are around us. That is most certainly the will of God and any human created groups or ideas is less so. Catholic Church is just an institution, imperfect and will miss it if it does not help us worship our Creator and love him with all our heart, mind and spirit. I of course respect the views of others, and I am sure we all have something else to learn from each other. Shalom and good preparations for Pessach!

(28)
Anonymous,
March 15, 2013 9:57 PM

Re the Sistine Chapel

Where in the books of Samuel does it give the measurements for Solomons Temple. 2 Samuel: 7 God tells Nathan to tell David that he is not going to build a house for God-but his son Solomon will. In my book the measurments are in 1 Kings: 6. The story of Solomon is in 1 Kings. Also the measurements don't jive. RSVP

(27)
Sarah C,
March 15, 2013 6:13 PM

Sistine Chapel not the only one

Sorry to be so vague and all that, because I heard a passing mention of this years ago. But someone did claim that one of China's palatial structures, not sure if Emperor's palace or something, copied the layout of the Solomon's Temple, too. The Chinese copied some things from the Jews, e.g at the Chinese Lunar New Year, one custom was to hang a red cloth over the main doorway. It would drape down. That was borrowed from the Passover story of the lambs' blood applied over doorways of Jewish homes so that the Angel of Death passes over them, sparing the first-borns of the Jews. Many Chinese may be polytheistic now but the earliest ancient Chinese characters are full of references found in the Creation account in Genesis.

(26)
Shlomo Dovid,
March 15, 2013 2:17 PM

What the Church won't tell you and probably doesn't know.

St. Augustine said that, if the Jews ever get their homeland back, it will prove that Christianity is false. Well, we've got our homeland back. I'm still waiting for any Christian theologian to admit that Christianity is false. I'll bet that most Catholic clergy, including the Pope, probably aren't even aware of this statement by Augustine. (I once got a Christian missionary to admit that the story of the Good Samaritan was a slander).

Michael David Fox,
March 19, 2013 6:38 PM

Source

Could you give a citation for the Augustine reference?
Todah.

(25)
Shlomo Dovid,
March 15, 2013 2:12 PM

What no one in the Church will talk about

St. Augustine said that if the Jews ever get their homeland back, it wil prove that Christianity is false.Well, we've got our homeland back. I'm waiting, but no one will admit that Christianity is false. I'll bet that most Catholic clergy, including the Pope, probably don't even know about this.

(24)
David,
March 14, 2013 9:02 PM

Do the right thing

IF the treasures of the Jewish Temple (Menorah, etc.) are in storage in the Vatican, can we please have them back?

Rebecca,
March 15, 2013 11:12 AM

I agree with you David. Do the right thing.

Elder,
March 18, 2013 3:11 PM

This new pope will (must) cooperate or else

I am praying that this new pope will cooperate and return the Menorah and other treasures that were once part of the Jewish Temple. In addition, he will offer gold which is to be used to line the streets and as pavement for Jerusalem. After this, other nations will follow suit.

(23)
Steve Skeete,
March 13, 2013 10:57 PM

And the irony is...

The people are waiting "with bated breath" outside a reconstructed "Temple" for a replacement pope of a "successionist" religion, which unashamedly uses "simulated sacred rites". This article reads exactly like one of those grand conspiracies theories where the ordinary things around you are just not what they seem. I must admit I found it fascinating. My only disappointment was that I did not get to hear Rabbi Blech' take on "what the rebirth of Israel and the return of the Jews to their homeland means in this context". I am sure it would have been intriguing.

(22)
Sharon,
March 13, 2013 3:11 PM

Can't tour

The particulars of the Sistine Church were unknown to me, but the church setup in general borrows various symbols and configurations from the Jewish Holy Temple - much more so than Jewish synagogues. I am planning to visit Rome around Lag B'Omer and would have loved to visit this site, but according to Jewish Law, it is forbidden to step inside a church that still functions as a place of worship. And for that reason this whole article is neither here nor there.

(21)
Major Chutzpzah,
March 13, 2013 2:06 PM

They should elect a Jewish Mother as Pope

Think about it...it's going back to the basics. They revere the "virgin Mary"...so, a woman in high power isn't strange to catholosism and who better to run a huge operation like the catholic church than someone used to running the lives of everyone in their household for decades through the great earthly power of guilt. might make all the difference in the world......Pope Bubbe the 1st....

(20)
Anonymous,
March 13, 2013 7:26 AM

religion

The Vatican probably has the greatest treasure trove on earth. Catholicism is losing ground to other brands of religion, especially the Evangelicals of Brazil. Brazil has a fast growing middle class tired of the gloom and doom of Roman Catholicism. More and more Brazilians are flocking to the different brands and personalities. Judaism should learn from this partitioning. Jewish sects should learn to get along and not focus on growing their brand and franchise to pad their coffers. What are the chances ? Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Haredi, secular and every other sect have to stop bickering. We Jews are all in this together. Why wait for our enemies to force our cohesion ? To them a Jew is a Jew. They do not ask what kind.

Anonymous,
March 14, 2013 2:37 PM

Respect and Unity.

Until we respect Jews around us who may differ from ourselves we leave all Jews vulnerable to anti-Semitic forces around the world. With our history one would think that we would be more inclusive than exclusive, more accepting and more caring.

(19)
M. Ramirez,
March 13, 2013 2:46 AM

There is only one place for the Holy of Holies.

Still in Jerusalem and awating the rebuilding of the Third Temple of G-d, as prophesied.

MARIA,
March 14, 2013 6:54 AM

Agreed

I agree. it only ONE place. JERUSALEM one G_D, one NATION. ..."Next year in Jerusalem"

(18)
Fred,
March 13, 2013 1:05 AM

Very interesting & enlightening.

(17)
Anonymous,
March 13, 2013 12:53 AM

Michealngelo's fresco proven to be Jewish inspired

The fresco that Michelangelo painted was proven to be insipired by Judiasm and in fact, there are opinions that say Michelangelo himself was jJewsih

Baruch Ben-Yosef,
March 13, 2013 12:40 PM

Michelangelo? Jewish?

Opinions might be interesting, but they're not facts.

(16)
Yossie,
March 12, 2013 10:08 PM

What difference does it make?

I fail to see the significance of the size or location of the Sistine Chapel on either Jewish life today, or Jewish-Catholic relations, even if your information is 100% accurate.I also would not rely on the new Pope playing nice. As nice as one person can be, there are a lot of anti-semites in the catholic church, and unfortunately, the Pope can't change that.

(15)
Helen Borenstein,
March 12, 2013 9:19 PM

Temple Artifacts

Many Jews think that all of the artifacts of the Bayt Ha'Mikdash such as the menorah, the Aron and much more are hidden within the bowels of the Vatican. This would not be a stretch, since it was the Romans who destroyed the second Bayt Hamikdash, and most likely removed the holy objects and brought them to Rome. Indeed it is not surprising that the Sistine Chapel resembles the Bayt Hamikdash, because all religions seem to either take or copy from the Jews. In their heart of hearts they know Judaism is the only true religion, which is why they always seem intent on trying to deny our existence, but at the same time steal from us to validate their own.

Anonymous,
March 13, 2013 1:16 PM

Lost Temple objects.

Helen, the idea that the Vatican hides the Temple objects is a myth
The Temple objects were brought to Rome in 70, but since these objects had no significance to the pagan Romans, it is more than likely that they would have melted down the golden objects to finance their very costly wars and buildings such as the Colosseum. Christianity was only made legal in 313. The Roman Empire collapsed in the next 100 years & was sacked several times. How would the Temple objects survived any of this?
For the sake of argument, let's just say that the Vatican somehow got their hands on the Temple objects. Why would have they kept them hidden? There is no logic to that. If anything, they would have shown them in their churches as a sign of triumph over the Jews, as an act to humiliate us, and as a display of their own power. There would have been no reason to "hide" them: the Jews were in the diaspora and had neither the power nor a government to make any demands, so the Vatican had nothing to fear.
Conclusion: The temple objects are most likely lost.
However, that the Vatican owns a huge collection of Jewish books and manuscripts, but these are not "hidden". The Vatican has given some important ones on loan to Israel, and there is a catalogue of Jewish Manuscripts in the Vatican Library. Google it. Nothing secret there. Should these items be returned to us? If they were stolen, yes.

(14)
Lee Kotze,
March 12, 2013 9:02 PM

lee@qi.co.za

Do we seriously care what the new Pope's attitude will be towards the Jewish nation and Israel? Do we care what the Hindus' attitude is towards the nation of Israel?

(13)
Anonymous,
March 12, 2013 8:49 PM

Virtual tour Sistine Chapel

P.S. You can take a virtual tour of the Sistine Chapel here: and see for yourself

(12)
Dolores Testerman,
March 12, 2013 8:00 PM

dolores.gladtidings@gmail.com

According to a historian who wrote a book on Michelangelo, he painted in many pro-Jewish anti-catholic features in this "chapel".I tickled me all over when I read it!

(11)
Dawn M. Webster,
March 12, 2013 7:10 PM

Catholic church needs new thinking, not new wrapping of outdated teaching

Thanks for this background on the Sistine Chapel. Very timely.

(10)
Vincent M Maysee,
March 12, 2013 6:18 PM

there was only one temple

As a former catholic and now a jew, I, in everthing I've studied ,never came across this bit of lore regarding the Palatial Chapel. Replacement Theology, however, I am well aware of!

Rabbi Blech hopes that the Catholic Cardinals "will find the wisdom to follow in the ways of mutual respect, etc." A wonderful, utopian idea, but I'm not holding my breath. Jew-hatred has been an important part of Christian dogma - and practice! - ever since Constantine (the Roman emperor) converted to Christianity in the fourth century. We should not expect the Catholic Cardinals to "play nice". They were taught to hate us.

Anonymous,
March 13, 2013 4:17 AM

RE: Cardinals vs Wisdom

I am truly sadden by this comment, such negativity is it really necessary in this day and age? "not", "hate". Isn't better to try to live life on a more peaceful and positive note?!!....I was raised by my grandmother who was born in 1897 and for all the years that we walked 3 times a week 10k to and from church to this day I have NEVER heard this teaching that you speak of. My Grandmother was illiterate yet she preached peace for all people, we are all equal despite any differences she would always say and I might add she had the utmost respect and spoke with warmth and compassion of Jewish people the word "hatred" never once entered her vocabulary. Consequently the same followed through with my parents and myself as I raised my family right up to this morning when I attended church the priest preached to the high school students the "need" to respect Jews and be at peace with each other etc. My suggestion is, try living life with a more positive prospective with hope for peace. For Rabbi Blech thank you. Sign me: A simple hearted Roman Catholic who was raised to believe in world peace.

Anonymous,
March 13, 2013 1:00 PM

Dear simple hearted Roman Catholic

I was delighted to learn that you believe in world peace. Your grandmother seems to have been a good person, but she wasn't the pope who decided that European Jews should live in ghettos, and she wasn't the pope who unleashed the murderous Crusades, and she wasn't Pius XII whose organization gave Adolf Eichmann a passport and visa to allow him to travel to Argentina (under the name "Ricardo Clemente") in order to avoid the consequences of his participation in the extermination of Europe's Jews. Do us all a favor: Get a good book on Jewish history (Cecil Roth's "History of the Jews" comes to mind) and read it.

Anonymous,
March 15, 2013 2:46 AM

With all due respect to you....
but you so totally missed my point
....and I stated my grandmother was illiterate not ignorant and neither am I
I'm leaving this on a peaceful note,
G-d Bless

(7)
Rachel,
March 12, 2013 4:34 PM

People who don't know are either uneducated or not paying attention

Both the medieval Christian theology that the Church is successor to Judaism, and the basics of the architecture and art of the Sistine Chapel are things that are routinely taught in courses on European history and art history, respectively. It's a sad commentary that it's assumed that most people don't know this.

Anonymous,
March 12, 2013 8:22 PM

Sistine Chapel similar to the Temple of Solomon

I didn't know this. Most people don't study or attend European art history courses. I think this isn't a common knowledge that the Sistine Chapel resembles the Temple of Solomon in so many ways. On wikipedia one can just read that only the dimensions are the same.

herschel,
March 13, 2013 4:33 AM

response to rachel(7)

Not everyone is as educated as you are. Being that I am ignorant in European history and art history, I found this very interesting, as I do all articles from Rabbi Blech. Oh, one more thing, a basic lesson taught in homes(probably not Euroean) and preschools(they do art like finger painting) around the world is that if you dont have anything nice to say, then don't say anything.

Rachel,
March 14, 2013 5:38 PM

What was not "nice"?

My point was that any reasonably well-educated adult should know these things. If people are not being educated about them, that's a problem. With regard to history in particular, it's impossible to understand the world today without understanding the major history of the ancient and medieval world. I'm American, and when I was in high school European history was a required subject. My children are either in college or high school, and world history is a required course for them, with Euro history an elective. And those who don't know history are often doomed to repeat it.

(6)
Fred Mercer,
March 12, 2013 4:16 PM

Credit from a Christian (but non-Catholic)

You have provide new information for me, that I was not previously aware of, thank you. Although I am very aware of the difference between our Faiths, I want to say I have NEVER agreed with the so-called 'Replacement Theology' - God is eternal, and He does not go back on His covenants! The Children of Israel are, and will always remain, God's "Chosen People". I was excited and glad when the Nation of Israel was re-born in 1948, and for as long as I can remember, have prayed for the Peace of Jerusalem.We may not agree on everything, but I and my Wife love the Jewish people - May God Bless you eternally.

D. Lebowski,
March 14, 2013 1:16 AM

Appreciate it

Speaking as an American Jew, I appreciate your support and prayers for peace. I don't think it's necessary that we (Jews & non-Jews or Jews of differing affiliations) agree on all things. If we can at least all agree on the right of Jews to have a Jewish state in their historical homeland, then I for one will be impressed and satisfied. Israel needs the support of all Americans, not just the Jewish ones.

(5)
Brenda Llanas,
March 12, 2013 3:49 PM

About the temple

The catholics were not emulating the temple of Solomon, it was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 587 BCE. The temple was rebuilt by Ezra and Nechemyah many years later after the exile to Babylon (Bavel). When Herod cam along he started a rebuilding campaign designed to embellish and enlarge the Temple. In 70 CE it too was destroyed by Titus, son of the Roman emperor Vespasian. Both temples were destroyed on the exact same day, only centuries apart. This is known as Tisha B'Av.

(4)
Michal,
March 12, 2013 3:30 PM

Fascinating and interesting article

Before I came to Israel for the first time (as a member of the first German group of OPERATION CONCILIATION,I spent 3 months in Rome, I very often visited the Sistine Chapel, delighting in the wonderful paintings of Michelangelo. What a pity, I did not have Rabbi Blechs great article with me. Of course I didn't know anything about the "measurements" of our First Temple and the similarity to that famous Chapel in Rom.(I think nobody of the thousands of onlookers knows that). Nor did I know that in setting my foot on Israel soil I had started unknowingly to walk on a way that in the end led me to the kotel, the wall of our destroyed Temple in Jerusalem. Baruch Hashem Who calls His children home from any place of the earth. ...(And also from the Sistine Chapel in Rome to a wall, that is for us the real center of the world.

(3)
David,
March 12, 2013 3:18 PM

Amen.

"It is to be hoped that as the Cardinals gather to choose their new Pope in the very place originally meant to demonstrate Christian successionism, they will find the wisdom to follow in the ways of mutual respect, brotherhood and understanding." Amen! And, to the extent that they do, let us hope that our rabbis will be able to speak on the subject without indulging in condescension and snark!

(2)
George Matyjewicz,
March 12, 2013 3:09 PM

Sistine Chapel Secrets

Why didn't you also discuss the secrets as defined in the book you and Roy Doliner wrote? I took that book with me when we went on a tour of Italy with R'Krohn. It was unbelievable how everything jumped out at you.

(1)
Gerard Robins,
March 11, 2013 9:46 PM

Monumental article at this critical juncture

This message is more than 'interesting and important' - and is in fact, MONUMENTAL - no pun intended!! It is first of all, critical information that I believe VERY few are aware of - and that I believe will come to the attention for the first time of the majority of Jews and a large %age of Catholics. Secondly, your commentary on the background and implications behind the structure itself is obviously an eye-opener - and I think it is highly beneficial for such powerful information to brought to the forefront at this critical juncture. I have forwarded this aticle to a large number of people who will have great interest in receiving it.

I'm told that it's a mitzvah to become intoxicated on Purim. This puzzles me, because to my understanding, it is not considered a good thing to become intoxicated, period.

One of the characteristics of the at-risk youth is their use of drugs, including alcohol. In my experience, getting drunk doesn't reveal secrets. It makes people act stupid and irresponsible, doing things they would never do if they were sober. Also, I know a lot about the horrible health effects of abusing alcohol, because I work at a research center that focuses on addiction and substance abuse.

Also, I am an alcoholic, which means that if I drink, very bad things happen. I have not had a drink in 22 years, and I have no intention of starting now. Surely there must be instances where a person is excused from the obligation to drink. I don't see how Judaism could ever promote the idea of getting drunk. It just doesn't seem right.

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Putting aside for a moment all the spiritual and philosophical reasons for getting drunk on Purim, this remains an issue of common sense. Of course, teenagers should be warned of the dangers of acute alcohol ingestion. Of course, nobody should drink and drive. Of course, nobody should become so drunk to the point of negligence in performing mitzvot. And of course, a recovering alcoholic should not partake of alcohol on Purim.

Indeed, the Code of Jewish Law explicitly says that if one suspects the drinking may affect him negatively, then he should NOT drink.

Getting drunk on Purim is actually one of the most difficult mitzvot to do correctly. A person should only drink if it will lead to positive spiritual results - e.g. under the loosening affect of the alcohol, greater awareness will surface of the love for God and Torah found deep in the heart. (Perhaps if we were on a higher spiritual level, we wouldn't need to get drunk!)

Yet the Talmud still speaks of an obligation on Purim of "not knowing the difference between Blessed is Mordechai and Cursed is Haman." How then should a person who doesn't drink get the point of “not knowing”? Simple - just go to sleep! (Rama - OC 695:2)

All this applies to individuals. But the question remains - does drinking on Purim adversely affect the collective social health of the Jewish community?

The aversion to alcoholism is engrained into Jewish consciousness from a number of Biblical and Talmudic sources. There are the rebuking words of prophets - Isaiah 28:1, Hosea 3:1 with Rashi, and Amos 6:6, and the Zohar says that "The wicked stray after wine" (Midrash Ne'alam Parshat Vayera).

It is well known that the rate of alcoholism among Jews has historically been very low. Numerous medical, psychological and sociological studies have confirmed this. The connection between Judaism and sobriety is so evident, that the following conversation is reported by Lawrence Kelemen in "Permission to Receive":

When Dr. Mark Keller, editor of the Quarterly Journal of Studies on Alcohol, commented that "practically all Jews do drink, and yet all the world knows that Jews hardly ever become alcoholics," his colleague, Dr. Howard Haggard, director of Yale's Laboratory of Applied Physiology, jokingly proposed converting alcoholics to the Jewish religion in order to immerse them in a culture with healthy attitudes toward drinking!

Perhaps we could suggest that it is precisely because of the use of alcohol in traditional ceremonies (Kiddush, Bris, Purim, etc.), that Jews experience such low rates of alcoholism. This ceremonial usage may actually act like an inoculation - i.e. injecting a safe amount that keeps the disease away.

Of course, as we said earlier, all this needs to be monitored with good common sense. Yet in my personal experience - having been in the company of Torah scholars who were totally drunk on Purim - they acted with extreme gentleness and joy. Amid the Jewish songs and beautiful words of Torah, every year the event is, for me, very special.

Adar 12 marks the dedication of Herod's renovations on the second Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 11 BCE. Herod was king of Judea in the first century BCE who constructed grand projects like the fortresses at Masada and Herodium, the city of Caesarea, and fortifications around the old city of Jerusalem. The most ambitious of Herod's projects was the re-building of the Temple, which was in disrepair after standing over 300 years. Herod's renovations included a huge man-made platform that remains today the largest man-made platform in the world. It took 10,000 men 10 years just to build the retaining walls around the Temple Mount; the Western Wall that we know today is part of that retaining wall. The Temple itself was a phenomenal site, covered in gold and marble. As the Talmud says, "He who has not seen Herod's building, has never in his life seen a truly grand building."

Some people gauge the value of themselves by what they own. But in reality, the entire concept of ownership of possessions is based on an illusion. When you obtain a material object, it does not become part of you. Ownership is merely your right to use specific objects whenever you wish.

How unfortunate is the person who has an ambition to cleave to something impossible to cleave to! Such a person will not obtain what he desires and will experience suffering.

Fortunate is the person whose ambition it is to acquire personal growth that is independent of external factors. Such a person will lead a happy and rewarding life.

With exercising patience you could have saved yourself 400 zuzim (Berachos 20a).

This Talmudic proverb arose from a case where someone was fined 400 zuzim because he acted in undue haste and insulted some one.

I was once pulling into a parking lot. Since I was a bit late for an important appointment, I was terribly annoyed that the lead car in the procession was creeping at a snail's pace. The driver immediately in front of me was showing his impatience by sounding his horn. In my aggravation, I wanted to join him, but I saw no real purpose in adding to the cacophony.

When the lead driver finally pulled into a parking space, I saw a wheelchair symbol on his rear license plate. He was handicapped and was obviously in need of the nearest parking space. I felt bad that I had harbored such hostile feelings about him, but was gratified that I had not sounded my horn, because then I would really have felt guilty for my lack of consideration.

This incident has helped me to delay my reactions to other frustrating situations until I have more time to evaluate all the circumstances. My motives do not stem from lofty principles, but from my desire to avoid having to feel guilt and remorse for having been foolish or inconsiderate.

Today I shall...

try to withhold impulsive reaction, bearing in mind that a hasty act performed without full knowledge of all the circumstances may cause me much distress.

With stories and insights,
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